Choosing a Travel Agent

How long have you been an agent?
Do you have a specialty?
Some travel agents specialize in certain destinations others specialize in types of vacations e.g. cruises.
How much experience do you have with this type of trip?
Have you traveled to our destination?
Should I hire an agent or do the research myself online?
Do you have any special relationships with providers that might come in handy while planning our trip?
How are you paid for your services?
Travel agents can be paid on commission with incentives provided by certain providers or they can be salaried or hourly employees of an agency. Or they can paid in a combination of ways.
How much do you charge for your services?